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Ernesto Pulls the Plug

Sail Staff
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November 16, 2007

Those of you who follow these things closely will note that a consortium of challengers joined BMW Oracle last week in offering a compromise to enable racing in 2009. Alinghi rejected that offer. As expected, America's Cup Management is now announcing that Cup competition will be delayed beyond 2009. The press release, issued on Thanksgiving morning, USA time, is copied below. Also as expected, ACM is pointing the finger at the BMW Oracle court challenge as the culprit in causing the delay. However, I haven't seen much if any public support for that notion. Considering the highs achieved in AC 32, and the lows achieved en route to AC 33, I can only think . . .

Aww, the poor pooch—Kimball Livingston

AMERICA'S CUP DELAYED

The current uncertainty around the future of the event triggers decision to postpone plans to hold the America's Cup in 2009

Valencia 22 November 2007 – During the past months, AC Management (ACM), the Socit Nautique de Genve (SNG) and the Club Nutico Espaol de Vela (CNEV), in conjunction with the competing Challengers, have worked hand in hand to develop the rules and regulations for an event in 2009. These rules and regulations were agreed by all competitors and supported by the most recent entrants bringing the number of registered syndicates to eight, with an additional two currently filing entry documents.

The ongoing uncertainty around the conclusion of the New York court case brought by BMW Oracle Racing (BOR) leaves the organisers no choice but to delay the event, as many indicators demonstrate a lack of viability to stage the event in 2009 to the same standards as the 32nd America's Cup.

The competitors' entry deadline of 15 December remains valid and for now, ACM, SNG and CNEV await the outcome of the legal process. If the New York Supreme Court rules that CNEV is valid and BOR chooses not to appeal the decision, ACM will endeavour to work with the competitors to adapt the existing rules and regulations and put in place a new framework for an event to take place at a later stage in Valencia.

Should the US Courts rule against CNEV, SNG will accept the Golden Gate Yacht Club Deed of Gift Challenge and meet them in a vessel, possibly a multihull, in accordance with the terms of the Deed of Gift.